Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets are known to cause significant damage to crops, rangelands, and natural habitats. Their outbreaks pose an immediate threat to the livelihoods of Klamath County farmers and ranchers, as well as the food supply and overall ecosystem health. The Oregon Legislature recognizes the urgency of addressing the immediate threat posed by these pests to agriculture and approved a program that provides financial assistance to affected individuals for supporting pest management initiatives that mitigate the impact of grasshoppers and Mormon crickets on agricultural crops, outlined in SB 5701, Section 408 (2024) and Temporary Administrative Order.

Klamath County has received $100,000.00 from the Oregon Department of Agriculture to help mitigate these infestations. A grant program has been established to distribute said funding and the County has formed a grant committee to review applications from farmers and ranchers. This committee consists of a representative from Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath Drainage District, Van Brimmer Ditch Co. and two at large citizens. It will review applications and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.

Prior to opening the application window, the Committee is seeking information about potential reimbursement claims.  If you intend to submit a reimbursement application when they are available, please submit an information form using the following link:

Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Intake Form

Information on Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets

Information on how to report outbreaks and other resources

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESS RELEASE

Klamath County Announces Grant Program to Help Farmers Battle Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Infestations

Klamath County, OR — August 7, 2024 — Klamath County is facing a significant challenge as grasshoppers and Mormon crickets have wreaked havoc on crops, rangelands, and natural habitats. These pesky invaders are threatening the livelihoods of the county’s farmers and ranchers, the food supply, and the overall health of the ecosystem.

In response, the Oregon Legislature has acted by passing SB 5701, Section 408 (2024), along with a Temporary Administrative Order. These measures provide financial assistance for pest management efforts aimed at reducing the impact of these insects on agricultural crops. Klamath County has been granted $100,000 by the Oregon Department of Agriculture to help tackle the problem.

To distribute these funds, the County has set up a reimbursement grant program. A special grant committee has been formed, including representatives from the Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath Drainage District, Van Brimmer Ditch Co., and two at-large citizens. This committee will review applications from affected farmers and ranchers and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.

Farmers and ranchers can apply for these grants from August 15 to October 31, with the application window closing at 5:00 PM on October 31. Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted. The grant committee will meet in November to review the applications and provide their recommendations to the Board of Commissioners who will make the final determinations for payment.

The application can be found online on the Klamath County Grants Website.

While the County recognizes that $100,000 won’t cover all the damage caused by these infestations, they are grateful to be able offer some help to those who need it most.

Apply Here https://www.klamathcounty.org/FormCenter/Board-of-Commissioners-7/Klamath-County-Grasshopper-Mormon-Cricke-121

For more information, please contact the Klamath County Grants Office at 541-851-2278.